| As a floral designer for over 10 years- I have | | | | price tag. For a 1/10 th of the money I could |
| seen the stress of planning a wedding can take | | | | have given those brides stunning wedding flowers. |
| on the bride- and her family. Whenever there is | | | | Take a look at your budget and decide which is |
| high emotion and money involved- stress is sure | | | | important to you. For some brides it might be the |
| to follow. There are some strategies that can help | | | | dress; others the wedding flowers or wedding |
| relieve the anxiety involved with planning your | | | | cake. Maybe you have always dreamed of a live |
| wedding and working within your budget. | | | | band at your wedding reception. With a limited |
| Find out first who is paying for what and how | | | | budget you will have to make choices. If you |
| much. Keep in mind that anyone who contributes | | | | want to have 350 people to your wedding- you |
| money will feel entitled to express their opinion- | | | | may have to have chicken and not surf and turf |
| sometimes loudly! So try and make clear what | | | | for your guests. Something will have to give. |
| expectations are. Your future mother-in-law may | | | | Some good advice- you will be looking at your |
| want to help out- but she also might want her | | | | wedding photos for the next 50+ years. I would |
| second cousins daughter in your wedding party. If | | | | invest money into anything that shows up in |
| possible try and pay for as much of the wedding | | | | those photos. Get the best photographer you can |
| yourself and not rely on anyone else. | | | | afford- do not give this job to your brother or |
| Take a realistic look at how much money you | | | | friend who took a Learning Annex course in |
| have to work with- avoid going into debt. Most | | | | Photoshop. Good hair and makeup. I suggest |
| important- Have a budget! | | | | nothing TOO trendy in a head piece unless you |
| Be honest with your wedding professional- tell | | | | want to suffer the jibes of your children... and |
| then how much you want to spend and have | | | | grand children. Do not skimp on your bridal |
| them help you give you the biggest bang for your | | | | bouquet. This will be staring back at you for years |
| buck. They know their field and what is possible | | | | in an 8x10 glossy. Your wedding attire- gets a |
| and affordable. I know from experience that | | | | lovely dress and something nice for your groom. |
| most creative people want to do their best work | | | | Anything else is really is just icing on the cake. |
| for you- and want your wedding flowers to be | | | | Trust me - you may regret spending all your |
| spectacular or your wedding dress to suit your | | | | money on a custom designed wedding cake. You |
| body type. It is a business but most bridal shop | | | | will not regret beautiful and professional wedding |
| owners, wedding photographers or florists I have | | | | photographs. It varies from person to person- but |
| met all have pride in their work- if you are getting | | | | certain things really don't matter and some do- I |
| a sense that they don't or feel like just another | | | | will share my opinions on this. Your dress, wedding |
| dollar sign then move on and find some one else. | | | | photos, your bridal bouquet, location, grooms |
| Ask their advice- they know their stuff! They | | | | attire MATTER. Bridesmaid dresses, bridesmaid's |
| have seen hundreds if not thousands of brides | | | | flowers and other wedding flowers, wedding cake, |
| and have a pretty good idea of what works and | | | | head table flowers, table centerpieces, food do |
| what doesn't. I remember one year when a | | | | not! If it's not in the wedding photo that will be |
| famous Kennedy got married- and pictures of his | | | | above your mantle- it probably doesn't matter. |
| bride were all over newspapers and magazines of | | | | Find our how much money you have to work |
| her holding a wedding bouquet of solid lily of the | | | | with, who is responsible for what- make a plan |
| valley. I had DOZENS of brides walk in wanting | | | | and stick to it. Remember all weddings are |
| this exact look. This is great if your are getting | | | | beautiful and all wedding days are perfect- Try |
| married in the 3 week window in June when lily of | | | | not to let the stress of money ruin the panning |
| the valley is available. Any other time it is | | | | process for you. Best Wishes on your Wedding |
| imported from Holland and packs a staggering | | | | Day! |